What Was Discussed with Azerbaijani Representatives: Commentary from Artsakh's Foreign Ministry

On March 1, a meeting took place between representatives of the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Azerbaijan, facilitated by the commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh. This was commented on by the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh.

The commentary states that during the meeting, humanitarian issues were discussed in the context of the urgent need for the opening of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan. Such meetings at various levels between representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan have been held multiple times under the mediation of Russian peacekeeping forces to discuss technical, humanitarian, and infrastructural matters.

Participants of the meeting did not discuss issues related to the political status of the Republic of Artsakh. The comments made by the Azerbaijani side following the meeting do not correspond to reality. The Republic of Artsakh maintains its commitment to its people's right to self-determination and the path to independence, as enshrined in the 1991 referendum.

Discussions organized to address urgent issues, particularly aimed at unblocking Artsakh, cannot replace full-fledged peace negotiations that are necessary for a comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We assert the need for the restoration of an international mediation format as an essential guarantee of the irreversibility of the peace process.

We reiterate that the position of the Republic of Artsakh remains unchanged: the consequences of the illegal use of force and threats of force by Azerbaijan cannot be a starting point on the path to establishing peace, stability, and security.